Tourer tailgate locked

[oldie]

Many threads on this problem but none address my particular dilemma.

'53 tourer, tailgate locked, glass access window works. This has been an intermittent problem over the last few months but usually resolved after a brief interval. However the tailgate has now been locked for a week. I have tried a variety of proposed solutions, bar one. None suggested have released the door. The one untried is the manual release. The hole is there but no release lever and no sign of it. Any suggestions please?

[rich17865]

Can you take the trim off with the door closed?

[Les4048]

Originally Posted by oldie

Many threads on this problem but none address my particular dilemma.

'53 tourer, tailgate locked, glass access window works. This has been an intermittent problem over the last few months but usually resolved after a brief interval. However the tailgate has now been locked for a week. I have tried a variety of proposed solutions, bar one. None suggested have released the door. The one untried is the manual release. The hole is there but no release lever and no sign of it. Any suggestions please?

On my Tourer there's a plastic pull string inside the panel on the tailgate, twist the two plastic knobs and you should see it inside

[GeoffWW]

Hello Oldie,

...Just seen your problem and Richards reply. To add further, you do not need to remove any trim. The means to open the main hatch lock mechanically is already in place.

- With the tailgate window open:- through the open window,

1. Release the two rotating catches to release the cover for the emergency
triangle.(The rear inner side of the number plate)

2. Open the cover from the bottom.

3. Through the open window, with the cover raised to the horizontal, (open at
90 degrees), look between the hinged top edge offside end of the cover
and 'inside' the cover. You will see two horizontal black rectangular plastic
strips.

4. With a small screwdriver, or decent fingernails, slide the longer upper plastic strip towards the centre of the car and remove from it's holder. This is attached to the main tailgate lock mechanism by a plastic covered wire.

5. Once released, just pull on it and this will release the main tailgate.

I have just tried it on mine and it works. best of luck with yours.

You beat me to it Les.

[Les4048]

Originally Posted by GeoffWW

Hello Oldie,

...Just seen your problem and Richards reply. To add further, you do not need to remove any trim. The means to open the main hatch lock mechanically is already in place.

- With the tailgate window open:- through the open window,

1. Release the two rotating catches to release the cover for the emergency
triangle.(The rear inner side of the number plate)

2. Open the cover from the bottom.

3. Through the open window, with the cover raised to the horizontal, (open at
90 degrees), look between the hinged top edge offside end of the cover
and 'inside' the cover. You will see two horizontal black rectangular plastic
strips.

4. With a small screwdriver, or decent fingernails, slide the longer upper plastic strip towards the centre of the car and remove from it's holder. This is attached to the main tailgate lock mechanism by a plastic covered wire.

5. Once released, just pull on it and this will release the main tailgate.

I have just tried it on mine and it works. best of luck with yours.

You beat me to it Les.

You'd a much better and detailed description Geoff lol

[oldie]

Regrettably a previous owner has "lost" the manual release. I would post a picture (if I knew how) but all you would see is a hole where the release should be. I am truly up a creek without a paddle unless there is a solution short of gelignite.

What would happen if I disconnected the battery for some time? Might that reset the car to original settings. I think the car thinks the tailgate is unlocked whilst the lock is actually, immovably engaged. All other doors respond appropriately to instruction.

[GeoffWW]

Have sent you a pm

[chipsceola]

Not always the problem, but worth a look, it has been known for the tailgate button to stick due to the surrounding rubber seal becoming trapped, solution, pull the seal out, open the tailgate, then refit the seal again.

I had the same problem after last MOT, appeared the 'tester' was a bit ham fisted with both bonnet and tailgate so had problems with both, tailgate solution as above.

[oldie]

Thank you GeoffWW, managed to recover the manual release.

Further to the original problem. The (rubber-cover-free) release lever doesn't unlock the tailgate. The glass door lock and lights work so I assume it would be most unfortunate if it is solely the current to the lock that has failed. Is it likely to be the lock itself? Such as the eBay item link attached. If so, how difficult to replace?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ROVER-75-T...item2c999f6c3f

[GeoffWW]

Hello again,Oldie,

I take it from your reply that you have read the two pm's I sent you.

I don't see what you will gain by purchasing the e-bay lock before you know what is actually the problem with your current lock. I take it that the pull chord was found behind the lining and pulled out with a wire as I suggested in my first pm. Or did you undo the 4 screws, inside the safety- triangle storage flap, holding the main panel?

Either way, now you can actually open the whole tailgate, if not in the normal manner. Undo the four screws and remove the bottom lining panel, to gain access to the main bottom lock and the upper part where your non-working lever is. Remove the bottom lock to see what is wrong.

I have just looked on Rimmer Bros picture for a link between the upper lever unit and the lower final lock to pin unit. There is nothing obvious, only a short cable with a connector on it, shown on the pictures of the top chrome cover. Perhaps the cable connector is also disconnected still causing the problems.

I would suggest you do not buy anything until you know exactly what is wrong with your tailgate lock system.